For any true pizza lover, the perfect pizza sauce recipe is what they long for as the sauce is the heart and soul of the pie. It can make or break the whole experience.
In this blog post, we will give you the perfect Pizza Sauce Recipe as well as break down the sauce-making process step-by-step and share some tips and tricks to ensure your results are absolutely delicious.
Let’s get started on crafting your new go-to pizza sauce!
Pizza Sauce Recipe
What Is Good About This Pizza Sauce Recipe?
It’s also typically much fresher than anything you can find in the store since you’re using fresh ingredients and making it right before baking your pie rather than having to preserve it for months.
Our recipe is simple but packs a punch of flavor with the perfect combination of herbs and spices.
We’ll also use a base of canned tomatoes rather than fresh to save you time and effort. Don’t worry, the result will still taste incredibly fresh!
History Of Pizza Sauce
Before we roll up our sleeves and get saucy in the kitchen, it’s worthwhile taking a trip back in time to where it all began. The history of pizza sauce is as rich as the sauce itself, with roots dating back to ancient civilizations who combined simple dough, olive oil, and native seasonings.
This sauce, often just a paste of ripe red tomatoes, evolved regionally, with each locale imbuing it with unique flavors, spices, and styles. Italy’s Neapolitan pizza might have set the gold standard, recognized the world over for its simplicity – typically made with rich, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, salt, and a hint of garlic – a recipe which remains the basis of many pizza sauces today.
What You Need To Prepare
To make our Pizza Sauce Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Whole peeled tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Make sure you prepare all the ingredients and equipment above to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Now, let’s dive right in to answer the question about how to make pizza sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pizza Sauce
Now let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making our delicious Pizza Sauce Recipe.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by prepping your ingredients. You’ll need one 28-ounce can of whole peeled tomatoes.
Drain the tomatoes and reserve the juice as it might be needed later to adjust the sauce consistency. Finely mince the garlic — you’ll want about two medium cloves.
Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil
Take a medium saucepan and heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Ensure the oil is warm but not smoking to avoid burning the garlic in the next step.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
Add the chopped garlic to a saucepan. Keep a close eye on it as you sauté, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds to a minute, or until it’s fragrant.
Remember don’t let the garlic brown too much because it can become bitter.
Step 4: Crush the Tomatoes
While the garlic is still fragrant, add the drained whole peeled tomatoes to the pan. Using a potato masher, crush the tomatoes finely as they warm.
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the tomatoes before adding them to the pan.
Step 5: Add Herbs and Spices
To the saucepan, add a teaspoon each of dried basil and dried oregano, half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust this according to your heat preference), and salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Simmer the Sauce
Once all the ingredients are in the saucepan, let the mixture simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The sauce should thicken and reduce a bit, concentrating the flavors. If it gets too thick, add a little of the reserved tomato juice.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust Seasonings
As the sauce nears the end of cooking time, taste it and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
You might want to add a pinch more salt, or a sprinkle of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic.
Step 8: Blend the Sauce (Optional)
For a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender right in the saucepan to puree the sauce to your preferred texture.
Step 9: Cool and Store or Use
Let the sauce cool slightly before using it on your pizza dough. If you are not using the sauce right away, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months.
Make sure it’s in a well-sealed container to maintain freshness.
This simple pizza sauce recipe is versatile and can be customized based on your taste preferences. Adjust the herbs and spices to create the perfect pizza sauce for your homemade pizzas.
How To Use Pizza Sauce Recipe
Once your Pizza Sauce Recipe is made, the possibilities are endless! Of course, you can use it as a topping for homemade pizzas but here are a few other ways to incorporate it into your cooking and get creative:
- Use it as a dip for breadsticks or garlic knots.
- Spread it on top of chicken or fish before baking for added flavor.
- Mix it into pasta dishes for a homemade tomato sauce.
- Use it as a base for soups or stews to add depth of flavor.
The options are endless and the more you experiment, the more you’ll find this delicious pizza sauce can elevate your meals. Give it a try and see for yourself!
How To Store Pizza Sauce
If you have any leftover Pizza Sauce Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
It can also be frozen for up to 6 months. Just make sure to thaw it completely before using it again.
Tips and Tricks For Perfect Pizza Sauce
Here are some recipe tips that you should apply to create your flavorful pizza sauce:
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. If you like a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of garlic.
- Blend the canned tomatoes before adding them to the sauce for a smoother consistency.
- For extra depth of flavor, cook the sauce for longer over low heat to allow all the flavors to meld together.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your perfect sauce. Some options include thyme, marjoram, or fennel seeds.
Conclusions
In conclusion, having a great pizza sauce recipe is essential for making the perfect homemade pizza. Today, we have taken you through the step-by-step process of creating your very own delicious and versatile pizza sauce.
Trust us, once you taste the difference between homemade and store-bought sauce, there’s no going back! So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get cooking!
Read more:
Pizza Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 28 oz can of whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add in the canned tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt & pepper to taste.
- Use a hand blender to blend all the ingredients until smooth (or transfer to a blender).
- Simmer for 20 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let cool before using as desired. Enjoy!